Advent Of A Gunslinger

Within Klugetown…

While the deer were patrolling the ground level of the streets at Zula’s command, Typh was watching over the air. The eagle lady was flying around and making sure nothing seemed out of place, that is, until…

“...what do we have here?” she muttered to herself while looking through a spyglass to get a visual for something down below. More specifically, a group of what looked like minotaurs that approached Klugetown. “That’s odd. What do they want with us…?”

They didn’t appear hostile. Just a few minotaur ladies who seemed to be interested in visiting Klugetown.

But naturally, Typh was suspicious and decided to go down to check the situation out herself.

“Hello,” she said as she landed in front of the three cow ladies. “State your business. Klugetown is operating under restricted guidelines from her on.”

“Really?” the first minotaur--a brown one with white spots--spoke first, “I thought minotaurs used to work here?”

The second--a gray minotaur--made her statement next, “Yeah, we’s just wonderin’ if it’s okay to see one of our friends.”

The third and last--a black minotaur--would add, “It’s…very important. We’re worried that he’s been hurt.”

“Oh I’m just sure he is.” Typh raised an eyebrow and asked, “Name?”

The first minotaur would then say, “Tony. Do you know if he’s still around?”

Admittedly, Typh had no idea who that was. So naturally, she had to check with her superior first before she made any sudden moves. “...Let me get back to you.” The eagle woman turned and flew off into the air, leaving the minotaurs under the watch of the genetically altered deer folk.

After a quick flight, Typh had arrived at the office within the saloon where Rongu used to work from. Zula was there, gathering up various weapons to prepare for use.

“Something wrong?” said the tigress as she grabbed what appeared to be a rifle charged with a crystal. “This better be important. You know you’re not supposed to bother me otherwise.”

“Some minotaurs are here,” Typh explained, “Said they’re looking for ‘Tony”. I don’t know who that could be, so I figured you’d be able to tell me.”

Zula’s tail flicked from realization. “...They know his name. But how…”

“Uh…whose name?” Typh asked as she tilted her head, “I’m a bit lost here.”

“A minotaur that used to work here in this saloon when it was still open,” Zula explained, “But not too many people know who he really is.”

“Think it’s a codeword? Or maybe an attempt at a distraction?”

“Whatever the case, they’re in for a surprise.” Zula went behind her desk and unveiled an object from behind a crate. “Get this rolled out behind me. I don’t want to take any chances.”

“So she’s finally bringing it out, huh?” Typh thought to herself as she looked at the weapon in question. “Guess it’s time to see if her crazy theories are worthwhile.”

“I’m on it,” she said aloud, following the tigress’ orders.

About ten minutes later…

Zula approached the minotaurs outside. “Hello. Who is it you’re looking for exactly?”

“Tony,” said the first minotaur, “We’re looking to see if he’s around for one of our close friends. Just a standard business transaction.”

“So if we could see him, that’d be nice,” said the second one.

The tigress was perceptive--she didn’t buy into anything they were saying thus far. Nobody and nothing had gone in or out of Klugetown in the last month without her express permission. As such, since nobody with that name had approval to travel here, she turned them away.

“Never heard of him,” she replied, “You must be mistaken or thinking of someone else. Regardless, run along now. Shoo."

“Yeah, we’re not doing that, miss,” the third minotaur lady spoke up next, “We know he’s here. You’re hidin’ something from us.”

Zula mentally scoffed. “Oh great. This is getting out of hand. Better just get rid of ‘em as quickly as possible.” The tigress put her hands together and spoke in a condescendingly sweet tone, “Look. Ladies. Dear gals. I have no idea what you’re talking about. Whoever you’re asking for doesn’t live here nor have I seen him. So why don’t you kindly turn around and leave before we end up in a situation we aren’t prepared for, hm?” From behind her back, Zula snapped her fingers…

…Only for nothing to happen--which left the she-cat visibly confused. “What the--where is she?!”

“Something wrong?” the first minotaur said with a knowing grin. “Cat got your tongue?”

Zula tried to hide her dissatisfaction, but she still let out the smallest of annoyed purrs. This was not how she anticipated this situation playing out, so naturally she was visibly shocked with her fur standing up on end when she heard a voice call out to her from nearby.

Click.

“Don’t move, or your bird friend gets it.”